Smart Luxury in Tokyo: Iconic Experiences Without Excess

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Advisor - Joelle Destache
Curated By

Joelle Destache

  • City Travel

  • Luxury Travel

  • Tokyo

  • Sightseeing

Advisor - Smart Luxury in Tokyo: Iconic Experiences Without Excess
Curator’s statement

From serene temples tucked into modern neighborhoods to intimate omakase counters and impeccably run experiences, Tokyo is at the intersection of tradition and cutting-edge innovation. It is a city that effortlessly offers travelers depth, endless experiences, and perception. What makes it truly special is its ability to deliver world-class dining, design-forward hotels, and seamless transportation without unnecessary extravagance—luxury here is thoughtful, not showy.

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Where to stay in Tokyo

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Things to do in Tokyo

The Shinkyo Bridge, a beautiful sight from one of my favorite day trips from Tokyo to Nikko

  • Upon arrival, find your way to Golden Gai, a classic-style neighborhood of micro bars and restaurants.

  • Harajuku is great for exploring Meiji Jingu Temple and luxury secondhand stores. You can walk there from the Shibuya Scramble for a variety of experiences in one day.

  • Ueno Park offers a respite from the city where you can go to the Tokyo National Museum and learn about the history of the city before heading to Asakusa and exploring the old town. I most enjoyed seeing Senso-ji Temple here at night.

  • In Asakusa, we had the most fun at a Sumo wrestling demonstration that included hot pot and a drink.

  • I highly recommend a food tour at Tsukiji Fish Market, which can be done before going to teamLab Planets for an immersive art experience.

  • A day trip from Tokyo is a must if you have the time. We went to Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its shrines and temples. Other options include Hakone and Kawagoe.

Places to eat & drink in Tokyo

You really can't go wrong with the food in Tokyo

  • There is a saying that in Tokyo, they have perfected nearly every cuisine. It surprised me that one of my favorite restaurants was Pizza Marumo. It does require reservations, which I can help you secure.

  • Sukiyabashi Jiro is a sushi restaurant in Ginza that was the first sushi restaurant to receive three Michelin stars. Reservations here must be made through a hotel concierge.

  • I'm sure you've seen videos by now of Ben Fiddich, one of the world's best bars located in Tokyo. It's very small, seating only 15, so reservations are highly recommended.

  • Monzen Nakacho is a lesser-known retro neighborhood known for its late night izakaya spots. It's definitely worth checking out, maybe after sunset at the Tokyo Skytree or an afternoon at teamLab Planets.

  • If you have a group of people, one of the best places to go for drinks are the private karaoke rooms. With unlimited snacks and drinks for your allotted time, they're well worth checking out.

Need to know

For groups or popular restaurants, reservations are a must. But if that's not your travel style, there are still plenty of great options.

Advisor - Joelle Destache

Travel Advisor

Joelle Destache

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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Tokyo page.